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If the joy is in the journey, people traveling from Germany to Africa will not be disappointed; the paths are diverse enough to satiate nearly all travelers. Many different languages, cultures, geographies and political systems lie along that path. So let the adventure begin as you plan your route and means of transportation between the two countries.

The Quickest, Easiest Way There

Pick up the phone and call a travel agent, or search online for flights from Germany to Africa. These quick, easy and reliable but possibly expensive. RyanAir occasionally has ridiculously cheap fares, although you will need to be flexible with your flight dates, and your route must take you through London to Marrakesh, Morocco. Airlines sometimes limit luggage to carry-ons or may charge heavily for extra luggage. Nevertheless, air travel is the most hassle-free way to get from Germany to Africa.

Sea Travel

A ferry ride across the Mediterranean may be the highlight of your journey south. If you decide to cross by ferry, your port of entries are far fewer than if you fly to Africa. The main cities of departure for ferries to Morocco, Algeria and Egypt are Marseilles, Venice, Gibraltar and various cities in Spain. With that end in mind, you can begin to plan your route to your port of departure. If you do not fancy spending long hours fighting sea sickness, consider that some ferries cross the Straits of Gibraltar in only 35 minutes.

Ground Travel

Eurail is an affordable option for getting to the Mediterranean. Buy an extended pass, allowing you to travel as many train routes as you like for a week or more. Or buy a single rail ticket to your destination, but inquire about the slower trains for significant savings. Ask about student or age discounts. Bus options may be cheaper than rail, but you will not have the freedom to stand up, stretch and walk around like you would on a train. If you are traveling by land to a ferry terminal, search online to identify the best way to travel from the train or bus station to the ferry, be it by public transportation, taxi or foot.

Non-Conventional Travel

Hitchhiking is still a viable form of transportation in Europe, although that will only get you to the shores of the Mediterranean. (Hitchhiking is not advisable in Middle Eastern countries.) You also could buy a cheap car, drive it south and sell it for not much less than your purchase price, but research local tax and title transfer requirements before undertaking this option. Check with the local universities in Germany or physical or online bulletin boards to see if you can carpool with anyone else who is traveling your way. If you are feeling athletic, put on a backpack and start hoofing it south.

Practical Concerns

Choose a pace and style of travel that will not leave you broke and exhausted when you arrive. Make sure your travel documents are up to date. Stock up on prescription and over-the-counter medication before you leave. Study your government's travel advisory website for international travel requirements and for any travel warnings about the countries you will visit or pass through. Pack appropriately for the climates you will encounter, and tuck in a phrase book if you are unfamiliar with the language. It's often easy to obtain local currency through a cash machine at your point of entry, but ask a travel agent if you have any doubts about obtaining money.

About the Author

James Werning has authored books and articles on various websites. His scripts have aired for more than 15 years on radio stations across North America. He is a small business owner and a world traveler with a master's degree in communications from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.